African Milk Bush
Euphorbia umbellata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (16 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
African Milk Bush, scientifically known as Euphorbia umbellata, is a succulent shrub native to Southern Africa. Renowned for its umbrella-shaped canopy and striking appearance, this resilient plant is valued in traditional medicine. It is primarily utilized to treat various ailments, including skin conditions, inflammation, and digestive issues.
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Stems · Bark
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Synadenium Umbellatum Var. Puberulum · Synadenium Grantii · 1 more
Names
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Camarones secos
- Lechero africano
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Euphorbia umbellataSynonyms
- Synadenium umbellatum var. puberulum
- Synadenium grantii
- Synadenium umbellatum
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Euphorbia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Euphorbia | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range across several key regions of the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, it can be found specifically within Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its distribution extends into Northeast Tropical Africa, where it inhabits the areas of Sudan and South Sudan. Furthermore, the species is present in East Tropical Africa, notably within the borders of Kenya. Collectively, these locations highlight the plant's presence across various tropical landscapes.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Burundi | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Rwanda | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Sudan-South Sudan | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Uganda | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Malawi | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Euphorbia umbellata, is characterized by several distinct morphological features that are integral to its biological profile. Its sturdy stems provide the structural framework for the plant, supporting its growth in various environments. A defining characteristic of this species is the presence of a milky, viscous latex that flows through its vascular system, serving as a primary defense mechanism. When the plant is injured, this sap is released, which is often studied for its specific medicinal properties. Additionally, the protective bark covering the stems plays a crucial role in shielding the internal tissues from environmental stressors.| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stems | Inflammopharmacology (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| latex | Planta medica (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sap | Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Euphorbia umbellata has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Euphol, LL, Terpenes, flavonols.
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Euphol | Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| LL | Fitoterapia (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Terpenes | Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonols | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Euphorbia umbellata has 3 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antioxidant.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Euphorbia umbellata has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, melanoma.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | Fitoterapia (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| melanoma | Fitoterapia (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| latex extracts | Planta medica (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| methanol extract | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sap | Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |